Events

 “Legends of Wine” or “Old Farts” as they may be referred to in some circles were all out and about for the Hyatt Regency Coolum weekend of fine wine and food. After a challenging afternoon out on the golf course the “Legends” dusted themselves off and were ready for the evenings event at Eliza`s restaurant.  As to whether some of these guys should be considered amongst the “Old Farts” or still over with the “Young Guns of Wine” was a matter for humorous debate. Between the six wine makers at the dinner they had just over 200 years experience, so many interesting stories and insights to reflect on.

After a trip down the coast with a glorious full moon reflecting on the ocean, a walk through the grounds of the Hyatt to the welcoming lights of Eliza`s the o`leary walker hurtle sparkling 2004 served on arrival was just what was needed.

Chef Gareth Collins and his team presented us with eight courses which were a delight both visually and to the taste buds.  The team obviously enjoyed preparing and presenting a culinary feast to stimulate both the appetite and create a few conversation pieces. The wines were well matched and with the wine maker on hand to talk us through the wines & with some of their funny and interesting wine stories it was an insightful evening.

The Menu

corn & golden shallot cappuccino w pure hazelnut oil matched with:-

barossa valley estate eden valley riesling 2009

pikes the merle riesling 2009

beetroot stained king salmon, white balsamic steeped dutch cream potato

wood roasted baby beet - yandina cress :-

tahbilk marsanne 1999, tahbilk marsanne 2009

barramundi w roasted rice - tamarind - pineapple broth, steamed bok choy:-

geoff merrill rose 2009

truffled egg custard - bendelle duck & pumpkin scone

pike and joyce adelaide hills pinot noir 2007

double beef consomme w yorkshire pudding & horseradish:-

john`s blend cabernet sauvignon 2005, tahbilk ESP cabernet sauvignon 2004

wild goat pie - celeriac & sweet potato w baby lansbourough zucchini

geoff merrill reserve shiraz 2001, johns blend shiraz 2001

“jelly & ice” - carles roquefort- granny smith apple

o`leary walker clare reserve shiraz 2006, barossa valley estate ebenezer shiraz 2005

Chefs Alfresco

The turn out for the Chefs Alfresco Sunday session was a capacity crowd who all enjoyed an abundance of good food and wine. There was a wine to suit even the most discerning of wine drinkers, with region and terroir being the main focus. Forty eight wine stands strutted their stuff to an enthusiastic crowd who were more than willing to taste from the abundance of styles and varieties.  The “sparkling garden” was a new addition to the event and judging from the response another crowd pleaser has been created.

The A Team enjoying their day out

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It is all happening at Yangarra Estate Winery in McLaren Vale South Australia with the opening of their new cellar door. Open house on the 12th June from 12pm to 5pm gives an opportunity to tour the new facilities as well as celebrating the  new release of the 2007 High Sands Grenache and the 2007 Ironheart shiraz . There may also be the opportunity to taste some of the 2009 reds direct from barrel.

The new winery/cellar door was completed in February 2010 in time for harvest. From June 18th 2010 the cellar door will be open to the public.  Following is a release from the team at Yangarra  to let you know what is going on. If you are in the area it would be great opportunity to check it out first hand.

Welcome!!

We are happy to offer you two different ways to experience our wines at Yangarra.  
Option 1:   Single Vineyard Wine Tasting $10

This option allows you to taste through our range of wines. Wine is supposed to be relaxing
and fun so either take a seat in the cellar door or move outside to a seat on our deck. The wine tasting
will include our current releases as well as our High Sands Grenache and Iron Heart Shiraz wines
when available.  At the end of your tasting you will receive a Yangarra Estate Vineyard wine glass.

 
Option 2: The Yangarra Wine Experience $25 (Please Book in Advance)

The “Wine Experience” is a guided tour of the winery, vineyard and cellar door.  The tour is
conducted by a member of our staff and assisted by our vineyard and winemaking team. This
opportunity offers behind the scenes access to Yangarra Estate Vineyard and a glimpse into what it
takes to make our wines. We encourage that you bring your questions and cameras for this wine
experience.
The “Wine Experience” starts with a tour of select blocks within our single vineyard.  You’ll
see first hand the natural life cycle of the vine and learn about the significance of terroir. You’ll walk
away with a better understanding of different soil types, grape varieties and why elevation matters.
Depending on the season, you will be able to see different aspects of vineyard operation.  The vineyard tour will also allow you to see our “High Sands” old bush vine Grenache and enjoy spectacular views
of the Adelaide Hills and the Gulf of St. Vincent.  
Following our time in the vineyard, we’ll walk you through our new winery. You will see how
we make grapes into wine, as well as see some of the latest in wine technology.  You will experience
what goes on in a working winery and catch a glimpse of the hard work that goes into each bottle of
wine we make. The winery tour will end with a few barrel samples in the barrel shed.  This is a great
opportunity to experience what our winemakers get to taste before the wine goes to bottle. 
After the tours of the vineyard and winery, the experience will end in our cellar door.  We will
taste through all of the current release wines and to remember your experience, you will receive a
Yangarra Estate Vineyard wine glass.

Yangarra will be hosting its first BankSA Sea & Vines festival on June 13 and 14. Yangarra has
teamed up with the Organik Store and Café to offer wine and food pairings over both days. Plus, two amazing bands will be playing, the Yearlings will be performing on Sunday and the John Baker Duo will be
entertaining on the Monday. Bookings for the event can be made at
www.mclarenvale.info

Thanks for the news Tom

It is an all star line up of wines at this winery and the old bush vine Grenache is certainly a wine to look out for as is the Rousanne which make up part of this eclectic range. The wine making focus is on achieving concentration, complexity and texture and from what I can tell they are well on their way to achieving just that.

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Crafted beers, are hitting their straps and many micro - breweries are marketing their products to an increasing number of beer drinkers who are willing and indeed seeking out alternative drops.

Renowned for wines, the Barossa Valley actually has a long history of beer brewing and Barossa Valley Brewing using only the best ingredients and no preservatives  are upholding tradition and producing these great beers to quench a thirst. 

Barossa Valley Brewing had their beers available for tasting at the recent Novotel Twin Waters Food and Wine Festival. Unfortunately I had problems with the sound for the video, so Denham D`Silva from Barossa Valley Brewing has sent some information on their beers including some food matches for the Bee Sting.

The Brewery

Barossa Valley Brewing is a multi award winning, independently owned micro-brewery specialising in all natural hand crafted beer.  We are based in what I believe to be Australia’s finest wine region, the Barossa Valley.  We brew our beers with the intension of creating a well balanced beer which will complement a meal.  Our motto is Excellence, Naturally.  We try and have that brief sentence guide whatever we do.  This region has a history of excellence in wine, we have learnt from that culture and to that we have a added a dedication to only using the best all natural ingredients. 

The Beers

Bee Sting – Has won Best in category at the Australian International Beer Awards, which is the 2nd largest beer awards in the world.  Recently listed by the Herald as one of ‘Australia’s Top 20 Beers’.  Completely all natural.  We add Orange Blossom honey this honey addition adds a subtle citrus quality to the beer.  This beer has been developed to go well with mildly spiced seafood or poultry.

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Situated on one of the highest points in Montville, Flame Hill Vineyard was the place to be for their annual   harvest celebration and grape stomping.

The heat and humidity of the coast was left behind as we ventured up to Montville which is in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast - Blackall Ranges Queensland. The vista from the deck and outdoor terrace of the Flame Hill Vineyard are spectacular ocean and mountain views and as an extra bonus on the day there were amazing cloud formations to enjoy.

Bacchus the Roman God of Wine (Dionysus-Greek) and two of his nymphs were represented and led the ceremony, walking up out of the vineyard  displaying handfuls of lush ripe grapes to the audience. The rhythms of an enthusiastic drumming group throughout the ceremony added to the atmosphere and the audience were keen to apply themselves with vigour to the grape stomping.

Putting your feet into a barrel of sun warmed grapes is actually a fabulous tactile experience and as the berries are squished the aromas including those of the barrel waft up to give a delightful sensory impact.

The terrace provided tables and seating where you could enjoy a selection of food plates available from the restaurant, relax, chat, or if in the mood dance to the Latino band that were playing.

Wine tasting was on the agenda of course, Flame Hill produce a range of reds, whites and fortified’s so plenty to choose from. As this is Queensland the 2010 crop was harvested in February a little earlier than other states, so it is all about making the wines now.

As evening drew near the chill factor picked up but to our delight flame red pure wool wraps were available from the restaurant for use and its this kind of attention to detail that sets places apart.  A good friend of mine with whom I had lots of catching up to do was with me for the day and this was a perfect environment for us to relax and enjoy ourselves.

Have you ever been to a similar event ?

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Dropped in to check out the annual Ginger Flower Festival held at Yandina Queensland.  There was a spectacular array of Ginger Flowers on display, and a big crowd turned out over the four day period to enjoy everything from hands on cooking classes,  presentations and workshops  on the power of food, healthy living and of course gardening. Presentations about gingers and heliconias and tips for growing the best plants  to create your own tropical paradise.

Having their own on site cooking school at the Ginger   Factory meant  a wide range of cuisines and culinary insights were also on offer, so if you wanted to feel like a gourmet chef there were plenty of cooking classes to choose from. I settled for a ginger and macadamia ice cream which went down a treat on a hot day or would any day for that matter.

A huge range of ginger products are available on site and the benefits of ginger root are well researched and documented. Ginger root has been part of herbal remedies for centuries and its properties have been sought after for everything from indigestion ( helps break down proteins), from migraine to lowering cholesterol and alleviating blood pressure. Ginger root  is also anti viral so makes a great cold and flu remedy. So not only does  it have a unique flavour as a spice to use in cooking its health benefits are immense so we should all be using more of it remember prevention is better than cure.

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Springtime in Italy 2010

Saturday 24th April to Sunday 2nd May

Passing this one on as it may be of interest to anyone wanting to do a guided wine tour of Italy. Sounds fantastic

Only a few places remaining, maximum group 10 guests. All inclusive tour incorporating the following.

Come along on this personalised adventure with ‘Essence of Italy Tours’ guided by bilingual Italophile Catherine Stanley and resident wine educator Paula Tewksbury, from ‘All About Wine’.

This fabulous all inclusive 9 day, 8 night tour encompasses visits and stays in historical castles and cities and dinners and tastings with local wine and food identities.

Tour Highlights Include

- Tutored Wine Tastings

- Cycling the ancient walls of Lucca

- Enjoying panoramic views of historical cities from Guinigi Tower in Lucca and Bell Tower next to the famous Duomo in Florence

- Guided Walking tours of iconic sites in Rome, Siena and Florence

- A picnic excursion in the Abruzzese mountains with local guide

- Cooking class with celebrated chef Fabrizio and enjoy the fruits of your labour, a delicious 4 Course Menu in the Castello restaurant

- Indulge at the Buddha Spa and indoor pool at Borgo La Bagnaia including a relaxing massage.

Special Features of the Tour

- Themed lunches and dinners to be enjoyed with various local identities from the Wine Industry in Italy

- Dinner in Rome, a special occasion with Gancia and Pallini Wines

- Lunch at Castello Banfi with International export manager

- Cocktail Event around the pool at Castello di Gabbiano with views over the rolling hills  of Chianti

- Themed dinners and tastings with local artisans at Santo Stefano di Sessanio in Abruzzo

- Lunch with Catherine’s favourite Chef and Restauranteur in Lucca, featuring famous Olive Oils and Wines of Lucca

Accommodation

- Hotel Internazionale in Rome with views from the terrace to St Peter’s Basillica and short stroll to Spanish Steps and Medici Gardens

- Albergo Difuso in Santo Stefano in Abruzzo, a living village with local artisans and products

- Hotel degli Orafi in Florence, from the movie ‘Room with a View’ is our resting place in Florence. See Brunelleschi’s Dome form the terrace bar.

- Breathtaking luxury of Borgo la Bagnaia in Montalcino

- Foster’s Jewel of Italy, Castello di Gabbiano in Chianti

All our fabulous accommodation includes daily buffet breakfast with delicious locally made produce and pastries.

This fabulous tour is available for $5275. A deposit of 20% is required by the 31st of January 2010 

and balance 60 days prior to departure on the 24th February 2010.

Regards,

Paula Tewksbury

All About Wine Pty Ltd

Ivano Reali  Managing Director of Castello Di Gabbiano talks about Chianti

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Hastings Street was a hub of activity, laughter and enjoyment not to mention good food and wine at the recent Long Lunch. The theme this year was pink in recognition of breast cancer awareness. With the backdrop of a perfect sunny day local restaurants were busy early in the day setting up their tables in the street and helping create an “atmosphere” where patrons could relax and enjoy good food and wine. More live entertainment would lift this event to a whole new level. This video has been a difficult one to bring to you with so much caught on camera. I had made three videos from it, one focused on the restaurateurs  one of what the crowd had to say and one with everything together. So what to do - is it too long? what do people want to see?  how will I go about it? All these questions that plague the ” blogger”.  In the end I have gone for the all in one version. 

Is it too long? Is it the type of thing you like to see?

Feedback would be appreciated.

Keep posted for recipes from some of the restaurants that strutted their stuff on the day.

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Ben Haines from Mitchelton Wines was awarded the Wine Society`s young winemaker of the year in 2008. The Wine Society is Australia`s oldest independent wine club.  Chosen from a field of young winemakers from across Australia and New Zealand the winery`s benchmark Mitchelton Print Shiraz 2006, a fine expression of central Victorian shiraz clinched it for Ben. Mitchelton is  celebrating 40 years in the industry and over the years has gained a reputation for crafting premium wines from best suited varietals that reflect the soils and temperate climate of Central Victoria.   Ben was under the pump at a recent trade wine show but was happy to wear the microphone whilst he was plying his trade. Mitchelton also produce Preece Wines, this range has added a trio of fresh, crisp, aromatic white wines to the mix  that are lower in alcohol. The Semillon /Sauvignon Blanc blend and the Sparkling wine are 9% alcohol and the Moscato 6%.  Fruit intensity and acidity have not been compromised so these wines will be a great bonus for the ever increasing number of  consumers  looking for less alcohol in their wines. Ben can tell you the rest.

Are wines lower in alcohol what consumers want?

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The Barossa region has the reputation of being home to many of Australia’s top wine makers and is an area that keeps producing award winning wines with big flavoursome styles, many that have developed a cult following.   Henschke “Hill of Grace”  is a wine that continues to receive national and international accolades and is the flagship wine for Stephen and Prue Henschke. Hill of Grace was first made by Cyril Henschke from low yield old vines from the Grace vineyard. Eventually under the guardianship of Stephen & Prue it has reached iconic status. These two between them have degrees in wine sciences, biochemistry, botany, viticulture and plant physiology so the breadth of their knowledge is immense. Blending tradition with technology they are gradually moving away from cork for their premium wines and moving over to an attractive Vino-Lock glass stopper.  The Henschke reputation for fabulous wines was pretty obvious at the Fine Wine Partners road show as the crowd was about ten deep most of the time and more swallowing than spitting going on there. The very delightful Stephen still managed to give some of his time to talk  to us about the origins of Henschke, the 2005 Hill of Grace, glass stoppers and  the Muscat of Tappa Pass a wine that is an ideal match for fruit desserts. It has floral Muscat aromas with a luscious, rich palate of concentrated ripe fruits and a perfect acid sugar balance for a long lingering finish. Stephen also explains the difference between the Muscat and botrytis style of dessert wines. So over to Stephen:-

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Wine for the mind, Jazz for the soul, The perfect combo, is what my T Shirt from Plonk Art has to say. Judging from the crowds that poured into Noosa for the jazz festival it seems many would agree. Added to the event this year was the “long lunch” which took place in Hastings Street on the Friday. The road was partially blocked and the local restaurants took to the street with style. Guests were plied with good food, wine, beer, jazz bands and street theatre all contributing to the festival atmosphere of the day. Took to the street with camera in hand so here is a small view from the long lunch

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Great to see a good contingency of female wine makers out in force at recent wine road show. New Zealand sauvignon blanc & the Marlborough brand is still growing and is the driving force of this region, district styles within Marlborough are now being promoted to keep the momentum going. Known for its distinctive herbaceous, gooseberry flavours savvy has maintained its popularity with consumers (not all of them of course).  The southern valleys of the area seem to produce richer, full bodied wines with a mix of tropical fruits, vegetal flavours and more palate structure and complexity. This is the style of a classic Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc. Marlborough is gaining recognition for other varieties and there are rising stars amongst  Pinot Noir,  Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling , Gewürztraminer and  Merlot. As an alternative to Chardonnay, Pinot Gris  is gaining ground and the best out of the region show fruit purity, good palate and texture sometimes assisted by a bit of residual sugar. I digress so back to Wither Hills and here Sally Williams talks to us about their range which apart from Sauvignon Blanc, includes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Do you think New Zealand savvy still reigns supreme?

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In the scheme of things Bowen Estate is a small family producer from Coonawarra South Australia. The vineyard is situated on prime terra rossa soil that is associated with this area and they produce a compact quintessential range that displays all the nuances of grape and place that shows us what Coonawarra is all about.  Father Doug and Daughter Emma combine to bring us optimum quality wines. The range consists of a Chardonnay which is rich and ripe but still has crisp acidity and a beautiful balance of oak. The Shiraz has spicy, fruit richness with good length and the Cabernet Sauvignon has complexity with strong varietal aromas,  good tannin structure and reflects the true character of Coonawarra. Caught up with Emma at the recent Fine Wine Partners road show and despite all the hustle and bustle Emma took the time to talk to us so I will let her tell you the story:-

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Wines from Argentina are finding their way around the world and are now a major player in the international wine scene. Vine quality hence product quality is on the increase resulting in good wine at good prices . The crafted drops are also on the increase and they are sure to find plenty of support.  Argentina`s  international reputation as a wine producing region has  been influenced by their affinity with the variety Malbec. Certainly only one of the many varieties grown there Malbec thrives in the dry climate probably better suited to Argentina than its original home in France.  The role of Malbec in Australia is usually as blending material and not much has been done to develop it as a single varietal. The latest drop from Argentina to make it to our shores are wines from Argento (means silver in Latin). Situated in Mendoza they produce a varied range of wines from Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay to Cabernet Sauvignon. The Reserva Malbec was my pick at a recent tasting it was an intense fruit driven wine, soft ripe berry fruits with hints of spice and soft supple tannins.  The Argento wines are made to represent the passion and culture of Argentina. Leandro tells us more about these wines.

Have you tried any wines from Argentina?

Have you tried Malbec

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